What do you have to declare to the Insurance companies

[Deaconbrody]

Hi Folks,

Just what do you have to declare to the insurance companies when requesting a quote.

I know 1275cc engine, disc brakes, servo and upgraded suspension should be.

However, do you have to list, electronic ignition, seat belts, new series 2 seats with headrests, reversing light, hazards, electric washers, etc.

Are extra safety modifications looked on as an advantage by the insurance companies, or just more non standard modifications?

I am concerned that when filling in the upgrades form on the insurance companies websites they may think the mods are boy racer types.

Questions with tick boxes like, larger engine, uprated suspension, bucket seats. Rather than bog standard Morris Minor Mods that are not for tearing round the country just being safer. I would have thought safer cars would have been an advantage for the insurance companies.

I suppose the best thing is to not apply for insurance on line but collect all the phone numbers and contact each insurance company individually by phone for a quote.

However the compare websites are so easy and convenient to use!

[IaininTenbury]

Best to phone the few main classic car specialist insurers and talk to a real person. From experience the extra risks they are concerned about are enhancing the performance ie engine upgrades, suspension and brakes etc and anything visual that makes it more appealing to a thief such as alloy wheels.
I wouldn't have thought they would be too bothered about hazard lights and electric screen wash, even though they do technically make it safer, but always best to declare everything and let them decide whats relevant.
Some insurance companies regard a 1275cc engine and disc brakes as such a common mod that it doesn't affect the premium.

[rayofleamington]

With regards to safety modifications such as seat belts, the insurance company should be informed (just my opinion).
Regarding non standard seats, wheels or even a different diff etc.. it's in your interests to 'declare all' and send it in writing with photos where possible, recorded delivery!

I had one insurance company state they refused to pay out because of modifications (not a Minor) but when I said "that's up to you however all items were fully declared and fully documented so you'll loose this in court plus my costs". I got a phone call later that day to say everything was ok - although no apology for trying to stitch me up.
A week after sending all my documentation I had phoned to check they had it all recorded on file and I recorded the date, time and person who confirmed it...I've never been that careful before but this was £20k's worth of exotic car.

On a Minor, a new upgraded interior is not only worth a bit, it also increases what you should expect to be paid if the car is written off / stolen. Undeclared modifications can be a get-out clause for insurance firms, so if you've got a lot to loose take a lot more care.

[Deaconbrody]

Thanks Guys,

Once again amazed at how helpfull everybody is on this site.

I will set up a portfolio of all my Morris Minor Replica Convertable Mods and safety accessories prior to phoning around the insurance companies. So I am ready for all the questions.

I receive the car from Charles Ware in march so I have time to sort everything out.

Thanks again you have gave me something to think about. I suppose part of the fun of Minor ownership.

I also have a Landrover 90 that is 15 years old this year. I believe that once the 15 years is attained it can also go under classic car insurance. So may be able to include that with the classic insurance company.

Ian

[Blades]

Ian

With regards to the last line in your reply about your fifteen year old Landrover

Is this true for all cars, my Fiesta will be thirteen years old in March, so only two years to go for calssic car insurance, hopefully!

Nick

[Deaconbrody]

Hi Blades,

When I was searching sites for insurance for my Morris I saw that a car over 15 years old can come under classic insurance. Cannot remember which insurance company site though. I only pay just over £100 a year for my Landy full comprehensive as I am lucky to live in a very low crime area in the highlands of Scotland so perhaps classic car insurance will not make a lot of difference.

Ian

[GeordieDave]

As already mentioned, it is always best to disclose modifications and let the insurer decide. If the quote jumps massively, go to another insurer because every insurer's logic is different (strange). I asked if having a Tracker fitted to my modern car would bring the insurance down. The lady on the phone typed War and Peace, then came back to me and said 'it adds £10 to the premium because we'll have to pay to replace the tracker if your car is stolen.....'!

[neil4030]

I am in the process of doing the rounds again trying to get the best insurance deal. One point to consider is that when FJ put my premium up, I phoned them in the hope that I might be able to haggle it down a bit. I happened to mention that my Minor was about to be my only car as a daily driver as I was selling my 'modern' on e-bay. She explained that FJ along with many other classic car insurers would not be able to provide me with any insurance cover with their firm, unless I had another car for daily use with the Minor insured as a second car. She explained that that was the whole point of a classic car policy and why they were so cheap. If I ran the Minor as a daily with no other main car owned/insured, any subsequent claim would be invalidated!!
I phoned a few of the other companies recommended by the club and it was the same story.
It would be an easy one to get on the wrong side of and potentially, very costly in the event of a crash, whether or not it was the other guy's fault. If I hadn't mentioned my plan to FJ then I would simply have gone ahead with selling my modern and illegally using my old Minor as a daily main/sole use car on one of the above policies!
I have found other brokers who can supply classic car policies for a sole use Minor as a daily and I am now insured with one of those; oddly they are cheaper than FJ with similar cover provided.

[chesney]

That can't be right. A Minor is my daily driver, only (insured) car I have and I am on a classic policy.

[IaininTenbury]

Thanks Guys,

I also have a Landrover 90 that is 15 years old this year. I believe that once the 15 years is attained it can also go under classic car insurance. So may be able to include that with the classic insurance company.

Ian

Not sure how insurance companies rate Classicness. I suspect Land rovers do ok as they are often enthusiast owned and there is a huge club scene. I certainly had no problems insuring my 20yr old 130 on my Classic Policy. Mad really as its about the newest vehicle I've owned

[mike.perry]

Both the insurance companies I have used, the most popular Minor insurers, have charged me the same premium for a Series MM as a 1275 Traveller with wide wheels and uprated brakes.

[Deaconbrody]

Thanks again for all the information.

It has put my mind at rest for the modified Minor.

I was beginning to think I had made a mistake buying one with what I thought was modifications that made it safer.

Now happier, looking forward to driving it in March.

Ian

[neil4030]

Based on what the nice FJ lady told me, anyone out there driving a minor as their only insured car whilst on a classic car policy, ought to check with their insurance company that they are in fact covered in the event of a claim!

[chesney]

I'm sure it's fine, I know another 17 year old who lives a stones throw away from me and he is in exactly the same position, same insurer..

[wickermonkey]

Ive always though its best to tell them everything as insurers will do there best not to pay out. If you have an accident they look at everything even in some instances taking it to an airfield to check visibility of the car. plus if you have an accident and claim for whiplash or anything concerning the seat belts and there different from standard then you will not be able to claim

[dp]

My daily is a 20 year old Merc - it's been cheaper to go on the comparemarket & gocompare websites for a normal type quote than to get a classic policy.

[rayofleamington]

Based on what the nice FJ lady told me, anyone out there driving a minor as their only insured car whilst on a classic car policy, ought to check with their insurance company that they are in fact covered in the event of a claim

As far as I remember, they will ask if it is your main car. You should be able to get classic insurance for an everyday car but it's certainly not going to be the same price, and some underwriters may not quote for it but it is available from others.

On some classic car policies I had to send in details proving I did indeed have my everyday car. At the end of the day they were just verifying the accuracy of what I told them so I was happy enough to do it.

[neil4030]

That's exactly right and my new insurer went in to some detail about the fact that the minor was my only insured/owned car to be covered on their provider's insurance policy. As I say, FJ advised that they do not handle any classic policies that fall outside of the minor being a second 'hobby' car. So; if anyone is insured with them (or relevant others) and is in fact, using their minor as their only car with no other main car insured else ware, you will have significant problems in the event of a claim if/when they find out. As she said, the policy would be invalidated in the event of a claim! Anyone that has been involved in a collision will know what an absolute mine field it can be with other insurance companies and their legal teams/solicitors/investigators all working hard to claim as much money as possible. If your own company has pulled out, liability for damage and injuries caused as well as costs would still have to be paid and can be 'mortgage-sized' amounts of money. These cases are often driven through County Court and there is no hiding place! The simple advice is that IF you are using your minor on a classic policy with no other insured main car, check with your insurance broker before you go out on the road...

[chesney]

Are we seriously saying that under the Young Members scheme organised by this club, the members have to be insured on another car and can only drive a Minor as a second car? It is common knowledge that several young members have Minors as their only insured car.. They are all not covered are they?

[neil4030]

Don't shoot the messenger! I am just reporting exactly what I was advised by the lady at FJ. It was a complete surprise to me as well but I made notes whilst she was speaking and unless she was mistaken; which I doubt, then there could be an issue here so folks ought to check to be sure.